Dear residents,

On Monday, September 16th, we return to the House of Commons for the next legislative session. I am excited to reconnect with my colleagues and continue our work for you, so that we can make Canada fairer for all generations. This summer, the Bank of Canada reduced the interest rate three times, which is excellent news for Canadians. Lower interest rates benefit homeowners renewing their mortgages, first-time buyers, and businesses across the country. Additionally, the inflation rate is now at 2.53%, well within the Bank of Canada's target. These figures are encouraging and demonstrate that our economic plan is working. 

My week began in Nanaimo, where I participated in the national caucus. We discussed the priorities to address in the upcoming parliamentary session. Making life more affordable and addressing the housing crisis remain essential issues that we will continue to work on. Climate change is also a major priority, and we must keep up our efforts to adapt our communities to changing climate realities.

Many community events will take place in the coming days, including a free community BBQ in Lower Town, and another community BBQ at Émond Park, organized by the Vanier Community Association. Additionally, the Embassy of Japan will open its doors this weekend for a bonsai exhibition, a traditional Japanese art. This free event will take place on September 14th and 15th. You will find more information about these events below.

I invite you to contact my office if you have any questions or ideas to share about federal programs and services.

Have a great weekend,

Mona

Minister MacAulay announced $53.5 million in national funding to launch the new School Food Infrastructure Fund, and initiate the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The newly launched School Food Infrastructure Fund will assist not-for-profit organizations as they invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programing across the country. Applications are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply from now until October 4, 2024. The $17.2 million announced today for the School Food Infrastructure Program will be delivered as a complement to the National School Food Program.  

The renewed Local Food Infrastructure Fund will continue to help improve food security in communities across the country. Our renewed program will be delivered through two components:

• Small Scale Projects will provide funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems for community gardens or solar panels for greenhouses. Applications for the first intake will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2024. A second intake will be announced in 2025.
• Large Scale Projects will provide funding between $150,000 and $500,000 in support of community food security for projects with multiple infrastructure and equipment needs. For example, partners could come together to upgrade a soup kitchen and increase the number of meals served, using food from a local community garden, or a local farmer. Applications will be open from January 13 to February 28, 2025.
  

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Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

Regions and communities across Canada host many exciting tourist attractions that bring people in and drive economic development. We want to celebrate the businesses behind those attractions and make sure they can grow and thrive. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years (2023-2024 – 2025-2026) to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

Eligible applicants include:

• incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
• Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
• governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)

Eligible activities

Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

• support the Indigenous tourism industry
• increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
• support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
• support active outdoor experiences
• extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
• complement support provided through provincial programs

Financial assistance

• For small- and medium-sized enterprises
  • contributions will normally be repayable
• For not-for-profit organizations
  • contributions will normally be non-repayable
• Tourism growth program

Application Period in Progress - Official Languages Support Program 

The period for submitting applications to the Official Languages Support Programs for the coming year is now open. These funding programs enable eligible organizations to enhance the vitality of Francophone and Anglophone minority communities, and to promote English and French in Canadian society. 

These programs are part of our ongoing support for community organizations in the official languages sector.

Deadline to apply
Development of Official-Language Communities Program

• Community Life component, Collaboration with the community sector, (Programming): September 20, 2024
• Minority-Language Education Component, collaboration with the non-governmental sector (Programming): September 20, 2024
• Infrastructure Projects Component: At all times

Enhancement of Official Languages Program

• Promotion of Linguistic Duality, Appreciation and Rapprochement (Programming): September 20, 2024
• Second-Language Learning Component, Collaboration with the Non-Governmental Sector (Programming): September 20, 2024

Full details of the programs and how to apply can be found here: Official Languages Support Programs - Canada.ca

Celebrate Welcoming Week 2024 at the Vanier Community Service Centre!

From September 13th to 22nd, explore the range of services offered, including support for newcomers, employment services, child and youth programs, a francophone legal clinic, and community assistance. Discover how the Vanier CSC can help you settle into your new community. Visit their website for more details! https://cscvanier.com/

Location: Routhier Community Center. 172 Guigues Avenue. 
 

Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate quiz champion? If so, get your friends together and join us for Soirée Quiz Night at the Vanier Sugar Shack! It is the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a friendly bilingual competition.

What: Soirée Quiz Night
Theme: Politics
When: Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue) *Please use the parking at Centre Richelieu-Vanier.
Cost: Free admission!
Registration is mandatory: Places are limited (19 years and over). Register here.
Grand Prize: All the honours AND a gift pack of maple products from the Vanier Museopark!

Event timing

Doors open at 5 p.m.
Quiz starts at 5:45 p.m. (45 minutes)
Prize-giving and end of the evening at 7 p.m.